MacBook Air hardware refresh expected in June

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Apple’s very popular range of MacBook Air laptops is about to get an update if information coming out of Taiwan is to be believed.

Those in the supply chain for computer components usually know a good few weeks or even months before a new device is going to be launched, simply because the parts get ordered. In the case of the MacBook Air, it looks like Apple has started ordering new parts which will ship at the end of May.

The updated 11.6-inch and 13.3-inch models are expected to ship with an Intel Sandy Bridge processor and Thunderbolt port as has already been included on the latest MacBook Pro.

The new Pros also switched from a Nvidia to an AMD-based GPU and shipped with a 6000 series Radeon HD. It will be interesting to see if the same switch is made for the updated Air models.

As for when we can expect to see the hardware refresh available. Expect Apple to ramp down production of existing models this month and introduce the new MacBook Airs in June or early July.

The update to use a Sandy Bridge processor should give the Airs a noticeable performance advantage over the existing range depending on which chips Apple decides to offer. Battery life should be on par if not a little better than before, so there’s no loss on that front for having a faster machine.

One feature I do keep seeing requested in comment threads is backlit keys. So I would be surprised if that doesn’t make an appearance in June. Also, a move to a Radeon HD GPU looks likely as the transition for the MacBook Pro range seemed to go without a hitch. This could be another revenue generator for AMD. Then of course there is the Thunderbolt port which should help future-proof the Airs in regards of conenctivity at least. It won’t stop us wanting the next new model, though.